Officials said the loss of 45 of its approximately 245 employees and elimination of some city routes was needed because of an anticipated $4 million deficit caused by reduced funding from the city of Birmingham. The changes go into effect at the beginning of the BJCTA's fiscal year.

The agency's expected 2012 budget is $22.3 million, less than the $26.6 million this fiscal year. Birmingham, the largest member of the BJCTA, allotted $10.8 million for transit service in fiscal 2011 but reduced that to $7.9 million for fiscal 2012.

In addition, the city owes $900,000 for last year's service.

Birmingham bus routes with the lowest passenger use will be eliminated. The cuts in staff include drivers and mechanics, officials said.

The board held a lengthy discussion before voting and asked about the chances of the city providing last-minute funding or what would happen if the cuts were not made and the agency waited on the city.

"We continue to overspend. We'll continue to have a deficit, and that deficit will eat us alive," executive director Peter Behrman said in response. "It's a roll of the dice."

Board members ultimately agreed they had to act but would rescind the action if money was provided by the city.

"If our entire plan is based on a hope, that's not much of a plan," said board member Jack Darnall.

James Hill, a driver and union president for BJCTA workers, spoke before the board and called for unity in urging officials to support mass transit.

Hill said a lackluster transit system impairs the city and plans for its redevelopment. Spending money on major projects is futile if residents and visitors are unable to access them.

"How can we as a city grow if we can't go?" he asked. "We want to build this, we want to build that, but how can we get there?"

Transit officials have met with city officials about the shortfall, but no resolution has been announced. The agency earlier this month had public hearings to explain the proposed route cuts.

Mayor William Bell has said the problem is the result of an error from the City Council because the group approved a budget with less money than he proposed for the agency. Still, Bell said his office has asked the BJCTA to become more efficient, and Wednesday's board action could be a step toward better efficiency and cost-savings.

Transit officials, however said they've already made cuts and called the most recent action a drastic move to remain solvent.

Council President Roderick Royal said there was no excuse for Bell's inaction. With the city's budget passed, it is Bell's responsibility to remedy the problem and recommend a funding source for the BJCTA, Royal said.

"He has to have the will to do it," Royal said. "We have budget amendments all the time for things that are not in the budget. So what this really comes down to is not doing what's right."

The board of Greater Birmingham Ministries this week delivered a letter to the mayor and council urging them to find money for the system. That letter was presented by the Rev. Lawton Higgs.

The transit board Wednesday delayed approving the 2012 budget that goes into effect in October after several members asked for more information on line items.

Board member Guin Robinson questioned an $800,000 increase for repair and maintenance. Robinson said the agency would lose its standing in the community if it approved increasing spending in some areas while at the same time moving to lay off workers and slashing service.

"It pains me to be having this discussion, but these are difficult times," he said.

The board is divided on that issue. Behrman defended the increase in maintenance, saying the system must constantly recondition aged buses.

"We've got to spend a lot of money on maintenance to keep what we've got going," he said.